Collie

Collie Grooming Profile

Collies are medium-to-large, high-energy herding dogs reaching full maturity by age three. They are moderate shedders with dense double coats requiring consistent grooming and exercise, with a daily diet of 4 to 5 cups carefully managed to support their athletic build.

Breed Group

Herding Dogs

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Breed Size

Large

AKC Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1885

FCI Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1955

Allergy-friendly

Worst Choice

3 / 10

Shedding

Moderate

6 / 10

Grooming need

60-90 mins/week

4 / 10

Low-maintenance

Moderate

5 / 10

Size

Large

7 / 10

Growth timeline

2-3 years

7 / 10

Grooming FAQ

Are Collie hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly?

Collies are not hypoallergenic. They possess a dense double coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal changes. This shedding releases dander and hair that can trigger reactions in allergy sufferers, making them a challenging choice for those with significant sensitivities to dogs.

Allergy-friendly: 3 / 10

Do Collie shed?

Collies are moderate shedders with a dense double coat. They experience heavy seasonal blowouts once or twice a year, typically in spring and fall. Weekly brushing helps manage hair loss, but daily grooming is necessary during peak shedding seasons to minimize loose fur and keep their majestic coat healthy.

Shedding: 6 / 10

How often should you groom a Collie?

Collies require a consistent grooming routine to maintain their double coats. Brush them at least once or twice weekly, increasing to daily sessions during seasonal shedding periods. Professional grooming and a bath are recommended every eight to twelve weeks to manage their thick undercoat and ensure overall hygiene.

Grooming need: 4 / 10

Are Collie low-maintenance dogs?

Collies aren't a fully low-maintenance breed — their coat care is manageable with weekly brushing, but their high energy and daily exercise needs make them a bigger day-to-day commitment than "moderate" alone suggests.

Low-maintenance: 5 / 10

How big do Collie get?

Collies are medium-to-large herding dogs with a balanced, athletic build. While height stops by 18 months, full physical maturity and coat development can take up to 3 years.

Size: 7 / 10

When do Collie stop growing?

Collies typically reach their full adult height between 12 and 18 months of age. While their upward growth slows, they continue to fill out, gain muscle, and develop their full coat until they are approximately two to three years old.

Growth timeline: 7 / 10

How much should a Collie eat?

Adult Collies typically require 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. The exact amount depends on their age, size, and activity level.

Feeding amount: 8 / 10

How often should a Collie puppy eat?

Collie puppies require frequent meals to support their rapid growth. Feed them three to four times daily until they are six months old. After six months, you can transition them to two meals per day to maintain steady development.

Puppy feeding frequency: 3 / 10

Vet Insights

Collies are medium-to-large, high-energy herding dogs reaching full maturity by age three. They are moderate shedders with dense double coats requiring consistent grooming and exercise, with a daily diet of 4 to 5 cups carefully managed to support their athletic build.

Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
VeterinarianResearcherDog breed specialist
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